Research relay rebounds

By Tania Martin and Kath Gannaway
MT EVELYN’S Lyndall Parsons and Hannah Urquhart recently lit a flame for cancer research.
The pair lost their mothers to the disease.
More than 700 people joined them as they pounded the pavement in this year’s Yarra Ranges Relay for Life.
The event, now in its third year, has raised more than $55,000 and the organisers expect the final figure will be in excess of $65,000.
Thirty-three teams took part in the relay at Morrison Reserve track on Saturday 15 November to raise cash for cancer research.
For Hannah the relay was an emotional day.
She lost her mum, Leonie to melanoma cancer in September but vowed to continue the fight to raise awareness.
The Urquharts participated in the 2007relay, but it was different this year without Leonie.
Relay chair Lyndall Parsons first got involved in the event four years ago following the death of her mother. She was introduced to the relay when her mum was battling cancer and has continued to carry the torch. But, Ms Parsons is now stepping down as chair of the committee. “I feel I have done something to honour her, but it has also really touched me to know it has helped others.”